Finkler's Field: A Story of School and Baseball

"Finkler's Field: A Story of School and Baseball" by Ralph Henry Barbour is an early 1900s narrative that shows life at Maple Ridge School through the eyes of its baseball-loving boys. The story centers around Sam Phillips, a gifted pitcher. He has to deal with both the pressures of the sport and the fun competition against the Towners, which provides much of the story's humor. The book starts with an active baseball practice where the Maple Ridge team prepares with their coach. Sam, known for his pitching skills, creates a stir among his teammates, and a new boy from Kansas, Jack Borden, wants to join in. As the boys talk about their upcoming match with the local Towners, you can tell they have an ongoing problem with Farmer Finkler. They are very upset about their limited playing field. All of this sets the scene for rivalry, friendship, and funny situations that highlight young life at the school.